POMEGRANATE

POMEGRANATE

Outline Information The pomegranate, or Punica granatum, is a bush that creates a red organic product. Ordered as a berry, the pomegranate organic product is around 5–12 cm (2–5 inches) in distance across. It is red, round and looks sort of like a red apple with a bloom molded stem. The skin of the pomegranate is thick and unpalatable, yet there are many eatable seeds called arils inside. The arils are what individuals eat either crude or prepared into pomegranate juice. Pomegranates have an amazing supplement profile one cup of arils (174 grams) contains. 

Fiber: 7 grams, Protein: 3 grams, Vitamin C: 30% of the RDI, Vitamin K: 36% of the RDI, Folate: 16% of the RDI, Potassium: 12% of the RDI

 

 

How does it work? 

Pomegranate contains a variety of chemicals that might have antioxidant effects. Some preliminary research suggests that chemicals in pomegranate juice might slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and possibly fight cancer cells. But it is not known if pomegranate has these effects when people drink the juice. 

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for: High blood pressure. Some research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily can lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by about 5 mmHg. Lower doses might work the same as higher doses. Pomegranate juice doesn’t seem to reduce diastolic pressure (the lower number).

Possibly Ineffective for: A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD). Drinking pomegranate juice does not seem to improve symptoms or breathing in people with this condition. High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Taking pomegranate doesn’t seem to lower cholesterol in people with or without high cholesterol. 

Insufficient Evidence for: Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice might help to keep the arteries in the neck (carotid arteries) clear of the build-up of fatty deposits.Clogged arteries (coronary heart disease). Some early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice might improve blood flow to the heart. However, drinking pomegranate juice does not seem to prevent narrowing of blood vessels in the heart (stenosis). Also, there is not enough information to know if drinking pomegranate juice helps to prevent heart disease-related events such as heart attack.Dental plaque. Early research shows that rinsing with pomegranate extract mouthwash for one minute once or twice daily reduces dental plaque.Diabetes. Early research shows that drinking fresh pomegranate juice 1.5 mL/kg improves blood sugar in some people with diabetes.Erectile dysfunction. Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily for 4 weeks does not improve erectile dysfunction in men.Muscle soreness after exercising.Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice twice daily for 15 days reduces muscle soreness after exercising in the elbow but not the knee.Dialysis. Research on pomegranate in people on dialysis is inconsistent. Some early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice for a year decreases the number of high blood pressure medications that people on dialysis need to take. Pomegranate juice might also improve "good" (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides and reduce the chance of going to the hospital for an infection in some people on dialysis. But other early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice before dialysis sessions or taking pomegranate extract for only 4 weeks does not improve blood pressure or cholesterol in people on dialysis.Menopausal symptoms. Early research shows that taking pomegranate seed oil for 12 weeks does not reduce hot flashes but might improve sleep in some women with symptoms of menopause.Metabolic syndrome. Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily for one month improves blood vessel function in adolescents with metabolic syndrome.Muscle strength.Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract can improve muscle strength recovery after exercise.Obesity. Early research shows that taking a product containing pomegranate seed oil and brown marine algae reduces body weight in obese women with liver disease. Other research shows that drinking pomegranate juice for one month helps overweight and obese patients maintain weight. But it doesn't seem to improve blood sugar or insulin sensitivity in these patients.Gum disease (periodontitis). There is some evidence that painting the gums with pomegranate fruit peel extract in combination with gotu kola extract might improve gum disease.Prostate cancer. Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice or taking pomegranate extract for up to 2 years might slow the progression of prostate cancer. Other early research shows that taking a combination of pomegranate powder and other ingredients for 6 months can slows the rising of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with prostate cancer. PSA levels are linked with prostate cancer growth, with faster increases indicating more growth.Rheumatoid arthritis. Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract twice daily for 12 weeks can improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.Inflamed and sore mouth (stomatitis).Applying a gel containing pomegranate extract to the gums improves symptoms in people with fungal infections in the mouth.Sunburn. Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract by mouth does not prevent sunburn.Vaginal parasite infections (trichomoniasis). Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract might clear up trichomoniasis infections in women,  Diarrhea, Dysentery, Hemorrhoids, Intestinal worm infestations, Sore throat, Other conditions. 

Side Effects & Safety 

Pomegranate juice is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. Most people do not experience side effects. Some people can have allergic reactions to pomegranate fruit.

Pomegranate extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate extract. Symptoms of sensitivity include itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

Pomegranate is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when the root, stem, or peel are taken by mouth in large amounts. The root, stem, and peel contain poisons. 

Special Precautions & Warnings: 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pomegranate juice is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women. However there is not enough reliable information about the safety of using other forms of pomegranate, such as pomegranate extract. If you use pomegranate, stick with the juice during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Check with your healthcare provider first.

Low blood pressure: Drinking pomegranate juice can slightly lower blood pressure. Drinking pomegranate juice might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people who already have low blood pressure.

Allergies to plants: People with plant allergies seem to be more likely to have an allergic reaction to pomegranate.

Surgery: Pomegranate might affect blood pressure. This might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking pomegranate at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. 

Dosing 

By mouth:

For high blood pressure: 43-330mL of pomegranate juice has been used daily for up to 18 months.

Scientific Health Benefits of sauropus Androgynus katuk, star gooseberry or Katuk Plant

Scientific Health Benefits of sauropus Androgynus katuk, star gooseberry or Katuk Plant

 

It is one of the most popular leafy vegetables in South Asia and Southeast Asia and is notable for high yields and palatability. The shoot tips have been sold as tropical asparagus. In Vietnam, the locals cook it with crab meat, minced pork or dried shrimp to make soup. In Malaysia, it is commonly stir-fried with egg or dried anchovies. The flowers and small purplish fruits of the plant have also be eaten In Indonesia, the leaves of the plant are used to make infusion, believed to improve the flow of breast milk for breastfeeding mothers.

It is a good source of vitamin K However; a study has suggested that excessive consumption of juiced Katuk leaves (due to its popularity for body weight control in Taiwan in the mid '90s) can cause lung damage, due to its high concentrations of the alkaloidpapaverine.

It also has high level of provitamin A carotenoids, especially in freshly picked leaves, as well as high levels of vitamins B and C, protein and minerals. The more the leaves mature, the higher the nutrient content of the leaves. Latest studies indicate that Cekur manis encouraged rapid regeneration and multiplication through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis.

Katuk Leaves Benefits for Pregnancy

Hence, these are the medical advantages of katuk plant for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

 

1. Useful for Pregnant Mother:

As we have seen above, leaves katuk have synthetic mixes. These mixes, called phytochemicals have therapeutic properties. There are seven substance mixes in it that invigorates the development of steroid hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, and glukokortiroid) and eicosanoid mixes. In the event that a lady expended this leave, at that point the dynamic compound will invigorate the female hormone.

2. Magnificence Treatment:

 

By at that point, if a pregnant mother devour it, it will normally additionally useful for skin amid pregnancy. The skin moves toward becoming smoother and hair to be sound and delicate. Accordingly, expending katuk leaves might be the best traps for magnificence and wellbeing in the pregnancy semesters.

 

3. Lift Breast Milk Production:

 

Analysts theorized that the substance content contained in katuk are sterols that have estrogenic properties, giving hormonal impacts that trigger milk generation with the goal that the milk become bounty in volume. Viable for smoothing milk for moms who are breastfeeding. Fundamental oil compound (saponin, flavooid, tannins, triterpenoids) various amino acids, nutrient a, b, and c, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron) just as seven other dynamic mixes.

4. For Hormones:

For couples, to have kids is a major marvel. Notwithstanding, it isn't unprecedented following quite a while of marriage, they are as yet not favored with posterity. Eating katuk leaves is exceedingly prescribed for couples who needed to have kids, particularly for men. Expending katuk leaves day by day will accelerate the sperm quality and its amount to be improved. Numerous individual regularly prepared underlying foundations of katuk leaves and turn it as a home grown recuperating legitimate to beat the body fever. It was the leaves that are valuable, however the roots too. It is as of now realized that the leaves katuk is basically imperative for the improvement of milk. Regardless, seeing simply numerous supplements that are in them that would essentially build the milk isn't just the sole reason for katuk leaves. Presently we can see some different points of interest from this katuk leaves as underneath:

Step by step instructions to Process Katuk Leaf Tea:

 

When all is said in done, new leaves can be dried, can be put away in a hermetically sealed compartment for sometime later. In the store, the leaves of katuk can be put in the cooler, dim, wet and put openly as it accomplished for different vegetables, for example, spinach and kale. For the mother, leaves katuk is a plant that has regularly been heard by pregnant ladies and furthermore the individuals who nurture their child. They are regularly prescribed to expend leaves katuk on the grounds that this plant can dependably smooth mother's milk, which turned into the staple nourishment of the child. Other than valuable for moms, katuk leaves are likewise normally utilized as vegetables. Katuk leaf is solid sustenance fixing that is additionally heavenly.

 

Step by step instructions to Make Katuk Leaf Tea:

Pick the crisp katuk leaves. Bubble katuk leaves in 250 ml water. At the point when it's bubbled, pour it to glass. You can include nectar or lemon for all the more flavouring Katuk leaf tea is prepared to serve. In its regular environment, the leaves of this plant are gathered as required. Be that as it may, the greater part of the leaves is additionally accessible in the market that are developed under nursery conditions in agribusiness that are administered. On the off chance that the plant becomes alone in the patio, at that point take the leaves that have a short stem for use as crisp sustenance.

Symptoms of Katuk Leaves:

Other than katuk leaf is a plant that is advantageous, what's more katuk leaves overabundance utilization will antagonistically influence the lungs that outcomes in changeless bronchiolitis sickness. So one must be attentive when eating extensive number of it because of disagreeable reactions. Since the leaves katuk has papaverina, which is an alkaloid that is likewise contained in opium, inordinate utilisation will prompt lethal casualty.

Notwithstanding these two, the examination directed in Taiwan says that utilisation of rough katuk leaves in a progressing premise as much as 150mg every day, which is a viewed as bigger sum, for up to about fourteen days to seven months will result in shortness of breath, loss of craving, and trouble in resting. Because of the reactions, at that point controlling utilisation of katuk leaves are exceedingly prescribed. It would be helpful if katuk leaves are bubbled before eating since warming can pulverize hostile to protozoa properties then the poisons in the leaves katuk can be subtracted or even vanish completely. Utilisation of crude katuk leaves are likewise not suggested. Katuk leaves that are eaten as a vegetable improves breastfeeding has not been formally tried in standard research facility in Indonesia so we don't actually know whether this leaves would have a negative effect or not. Katuk Leaves contains papaverina, which is an alkaloid that is additionally found in opium. Along these lines, expending extreme katuk leaves can cause symptoms, for example, lethality of papaverine.

It is now realised that the leaves katuk is basically imperative for the improvement of milk. Regardless, seeing simply numerous supplements that are in them that would basically expand the milk isn't just the sole reason for katuk leaves. Presently we can see some different points of interest from this katuk leaves as underneath:

Katuk Leaves for Overall Health:

Here are the medical advantages of katuk leaves for in general wellbeing:

1. Forestall Osteoporosis Calcium contained in it are entirely great, appropriate for utilization by ladies who don't need osteoporosis. up to 2.8% calcium, potassium iron, can be handled as the advantages of vegetable, for example, spinach.

2. Flu Treatment Containing ephedrine that were exceptionally useful for individuals with flu. Iron substance is sufficiently high to defeat the side effects of ailments, for example, paleness. It contains ephedrine, a substance that is very useful for patients with flu

3. There are seven dynamic exacerbates that invigorate the creation of steroid hormones and mixes eiksonoid.

4. As a wellspring of the advantages of nutrient A which is expected to avoid eye sickness, cell development, insusceptible framework, and solid propagation and keeping up sound skin.

5. Katuk leaf can contain about 7% protein and rough fiber up to 19%. These leaves are likewise wealthy in nutrient K. Notwithstanding the star nutrient A (beta karoneta), b, and c.

6. The substance of calories, protein and sugars of katuk leaves practically comparable to the advantages of papaya leaves and cassava leaves benefits. While the iron substance and protein content is higher than in the two sorts of leaves that were notice later.

7. Katuk leaves are additionally wealthy in nutrient A, B1 and c. Photochemistry mixes, for example, tannins, saponins and alkaloids papaverineacts as a capability of characteristic cure.

8. Feed the eyes, the substance of beta-carotene and nutrient A that are accepted to help forestall eye issue.

9. Useful for men's wellbeing. In katuk there are dynamic substances that can animate the union of steroid hormones, for example, progestron, and testosterone that summons sexual imperativeness, and lift the quality and increment the amount of sperm.

10. Extremely low calcium can cause increment hypertension. To fix this, take a stab at eating leaves katuk that are adequate.

11. Katuk leaves contain fundamental aggravates that the body required in the production of collagen inside human body, and as a fat transporter, transporting electrons, the gums wellbeing , direct cholesterol levels, just as invulnerability promoters and increment versatility of the body.

12. The most elevated wellspring of chlorophyll substances, devouring many said substances can be imperative for the strength of the body that it very well may be kept up, chlorophyll additionally helpful for dispensing with parasites, microscopic organisms and infections that are available in the human tissue.

13. For men, the compound invigorates the hormone may that may expand imperativeness.

Along these lines, above is the demonstrated clarification about the medical advantages of katuk plant.

Treat Obesity and overweight Naturally

Treat Obesity and overweight Naturally

Obesity is an excess of body weight caused by overconsumption of calories and physical inactivity. Some other causes may include: hormonal imbalances, stress, medical conditions, genetics, toxins, or a side effect of medications.

Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.

According to the CDC:

For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.

An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

But it’s important to note that BMI isn’t always an accurate indicator if someone is overweight or obese, especially if someone is muscular.

Data from the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey also highlights that between 2015 and 2016, 38.9 percent of U.S. adults and 18.5 percent of youth were obese. Among the adults, obesity is highest among middle-aged adults (42.8 percent) than younger adults (35.7 percent). More specifically, adults aged 40 to 59 (42.8 percent) had a higher obesity rate than adults aged 20 to 39 years old (35.7 percent). There was not a noteworthy variance between adults aged 60 and above (41 percent) and younger groups.

Obesity was more prevalent among youth aged 6 to 11 years old (18.4 percent) and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years old (20.6 percent) compared to children aged 2 to 5 years old. The data also notes that obesity is common among Hispanic and black adults (47 and 46.8 percent), followed by whites (37.9 percent) and then Asians (12.7 percent), and the same pattern was recorded among youth.

The good news is there are 3 steps to treat obesity naturally which include starting on a healthy diet, doing weekly exercise and using natural supplements. 

Top Foods for Obesity Diet: 

Here are the top foods someone should consume to overcome obesity:

High fiber foods – High fiber foods like vegetables, nuts, seeds, and berries increase satiety, without increasing calories. Clean lean protein – People who eat at least 3-4 ounces of protein per meal tend to feel more satisfied and eat less overall. Wild-caught fish – Obesity may increase inflammation, so try to include omega-3 fats. Coconut – Coconut oil and coconut milk contain MCFAs that your body can easily burn as fat and are less likely to be stored as fat compared to other fats. Small meals – Avoid getting too hungry that can cause you to overeat later, eat about every 4 hours.

Foods that Cause Obesity

Sugar – Increases hunger and leads to the consumption of empty calories. Processed and junk foods – These foods are meant to be addictive and the quantity may be hard to control. Refined flour – Refined products are also addictive and may lead to overeating. Sweetened beverages – Most people do not account for the calories in the beverages before consuming them. Trans and hydrogenated fats – These fats promote inflammation and are only found in foods devoid of any real nutrients.

Top 5 Obesity Natural Treatment and Supplements

1 Green Coffee Extract (follow instructions) Has been shown to help promote weight loss.

2 CLA (6,000mg 2x daily) In clinical studies supports building lean muscle mass and metabolism.

3 Green Tea Extract (1,500mg daily) Green tea may increase the body’s ability to burn energy.

4 Rhodiola (500mg daily) Rhodiola can help with long term fat-loss by lowering cortisol and helping your body burn fat for energy.

5 Chromium (500 mcg daily) Helps reduce cravings for sweets and can maintain blood sugar control.

Bonus Remedy Exercise is a key component in weight loss. All activity is effective but interval training (aka burst training) is the fastest way to promote fat loss.

Essential Oils for Weight Loss: 

There are essential oils for obesity that can support weight loss and hunger cravings. Essentials oils of grapefruit and cinnamon are the most effective. Take 2 drops of grapefruit and 1 drop of cinnamon internally for 30 days as part of a weight loss program.

Thunder God is the Plant That Cuts Body Weight Up to 45 Percent

By the beard of Zeus, this is big news: Harvard researchers experimenting with the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Thunder God discovered that it may be a powerful appetite suppressant that could lead to a significant weight loss breakthrough.

“It could be a powerful way to treat obesity and improve the health of many patients suffering from obesity and associated complications, such as heart disease, fatty liver and type 2 diabetes,” says study author Umut Ozcan, M.D., an endocrinologist at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Thunder God works by enhancing the action of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone that sends signals to the brain when a person is full and should stop eating, according to the study published in Cell. Researchers have previously speculated that a lack of sensitivity to leptin may be a root cause of obesity. In the study, researchers found that obese mice that were given high doses of Thunder God extract for one week ate 80 percent less food compared with mice that did not receive the compound. After three weeks, the mice treated with the compound lost 45 percent of their body weight, while the comparison group lost no weight at all.

While it’s not yet clear whether the plant, traditionally used by Chinese doctors to treat arthritis, has the same leptin-enhancing effects on humans, there are a number of commonly used herbs that are most likely already in your kitchen which have clear weight-loss benefits as well and you probably have a few of these in your kitchen already.

White Tea

A study published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism showed that white tea can simultaneously boost lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and block adipogenesis (the formation of fat cells). The tea’s combination of caffeine and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) seems to set fat cells up for defeat.

Peppermint

One study published in the Journal of Neurological and Orthopaedic Medicine found that people who sniffed peppermint every two hours lost an average of 5 pounds a month. The mint flavours send signals to your brain that it’s time to stop eating.

Oolong Tea

Oolong, a Chinese name for “black dragon,” is a light, floral tea that, like green tea, is also packed with catechins, which help to promote weight loss by boosting your body’s ability to metabolise lipids (fat). A study in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that participants who regularly sipped oolong tea lost six pounds over the course of the six-week time period. That’s a pound a week!

Parsley

The leafy green you typically push off to the side of your plate is a secret superfood that’s more nutrient-dense than kale. Among its key nutrients is folate, a B vitamin that’s been linked to everything from boosting mood to battling cancer. It’s also a key that works on a genetic level, locking down genes linked to insulin resistance and fat-cell formation. “It’s the B vitamins that play a major role in epigenetics, especially B12 and folate,” says Kevin L. Schalinske, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that are proven to alter body composition and improve insulin sensitivity. An animal study printed in Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics showed that the addition of dietary cinnamon reduced the accumulation of belly fat. And a series of studies printed in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adding a heaping teaspoon cinnamon to a starchy meal may help stabilize blood sugar and ward off insulin spikes.

Black Pepper

Piperine, a powerful compound found in black pepper, has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to treat multiple health conditions including inflammation and tummy troubles. But recent animal studies have found that piperine may also have the profound ability to decrease inflammation and interfere with the formation of new fat cells—a reaction known as adipogenesis, resulting in a decrease in waist size, body fat, and cholesterol levels.

Mustard Seeds

Scientists at England’s Oxford Polytechnic Institute found that by eating 1 teaspoon of mustard (about 5 calories) can boost the metabolism by up to 25 percent for several hours after eating. Not only that, a study published in the Asian Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that visceral adipose tissue of rats fed a diet of pure lard was lowered when the diet was supplemented with mustard oil.

Aloe vera Ghee kawar

Aloe vera Ghee kawar

Importance: Leaves are effective against joint pain, constipation and ulcer.They purify blood and given in diabetes. Also used for face masks making (cosmetics)

Contrary to popular belief, Aloe vera does not appear to be effective against other digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (13, 14, 15). Summary: Aloe vera latex has strong laxative effects, making it useful to treat constipation. Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years.It is best known for treating skin injuries, but also has several other beneficial effects on health. 

This is a list of the benefits of aloe vera: 

1. Contains healthful plant compounds

Aloe vera is a thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves. It is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries, and has an estimated annual market value of $13 billion globally. Aloe vera is well recognized by its thick, pointed and fleshy green leaves, which can grow to about 12-19 inches (30-50 cm) in length. Each leaf is full of a slimy tissue that stores water, which makes the leaves thick. This slimy, water-filled tissue is the "gel" we associate with Aloe vera products. The gel contains most of the bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.

2. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties: 

Antioxidants are important for health. Aloe vera gel contains powerful antioxidants, which belong to a large family of substances known as polyphenols. These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in Aloe vera, can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.

3. Accelerates the healing of burns: 

Aloe vera is most commonly used as a topical medication, rubbed onto the skin rather than eaten. It has long been known as a treatment for sores, particularly burns, including sunburns. In fact, the FDA first approved Aloe vera ointment as an over-the-counter medication for skin burns back in 1959.

Studies suggest that it is an effective topical treatment for first- and second-degree burns. A review of 4 experimental studies found that Aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared to conventional medication. The evidence for Aloe vera helping to heal other types of wounds is inconclusive.

4. Reduces dental plaque: 

Tooth decay and diseases of the gum are very common health problems. One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to reduce the buildup of plaque (bacterial biofilms) on the teeth. In a mouth rinse study of 300 healthy people, 100% pure Aloe vera juice was compared to the standard mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine. After 4 days of use, the Aloe vera mouth rinse was found to be just as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque. Another study found similar benefits of Aloe vera mouth rinse when used over a 15- to 30-day period. Aloe vera does this by killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans.

5. Helps treat canker sores: 

Many people have experienced mouth ulcers, or canker sores, at some point in their lives. They usually form underneath the lip, inside the mouth, and last for about 7-10 days. Studies have convincingly shown that Aloe vera treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers. In a 7-day study of 180 people with recurrent mouth ulcers, an Aloe vera patch applied to the area was effective in reducing the size of the ulcers. However, it did not outperform the conventional ulcer treatment, which is corticosteroids. In another study, Aloe vera gel not only accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers, it also reduced the pain associated with them.

6. Reduces constipation: 

Aloe vera has often be used to treat constipation. This time it is not the gel, but the latex, that provides the benefits. The latex is a sticky yellow residue found just under the skin of the leaf. The key compound responsible for this effect is called aloin, or barbaloin, which has well-established laxative effects. However, some concerns have been raised about safety issues with frequent use. For this reason, Aloe latex has not been available in the US as an over-the-counter medication since 2002. Contrary to popular belief, Aloe vera does not appear to be effective against other digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

7. May improve skin and prevent wrinkles: 

There is some preliminary evidence that topical Aloe vera gel can slow ageing of the skin. In one study of 30 women over the age of 45, topical application of the gel was shown to increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity over a 90-day period. Another study found that Aloe vera reduced erythema (redness of the skin), but was also found to dehydrate skin cells. There is very little evidence that Aloe vera can treat skin conditions like psoriasis and radiation dermatitis. 

8. Lowers blood sugar levels: 

Aloe vera has sometimes been used as a traditional diabetes remedy. It is said to enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management. Several animal and human studies in type 2 diabetics have actually found promising results from consuming Aloe vera extract. However, the quality of these studies was fairly poor, so it is definitely premature to recommend Aloe vera for this purpose. Additionally, there have been some cases of liver damage reported with long-term ingestion of Aloe vera supplements. 

Summary: Early evidence suggests that Aloe vera may help with blood sugar management, but more research is needed. Ingesting Aloe vera supplements in the long term could also be hazardous. 

The bottom line: 

Aloe vera definitely has some unique therapeutic properties, especially when applied as an ointment for the skin and gums.Various aloe vera products are available to purchase in health food stores or online, including aloe vera gel, juice, supplements, oil, and powder. Speak to a doctor before using aloe products to treat a condition.

Treating cough with plants

Treating cough with plants

When cough is frequent, due to an infection or throat irritation, cough is the body’s pulmonary defense response that expels foreign or excess substances. What causes cough? What are its symptoms? How can it be treated? Can plants help us for this? Sometimes, cough occurs when swallowing food in the trachea or if you speak and swallow at the same time. Since the food item didn’t follow the normal path down to the stomach, this natural reflex helps expel it quite forcefully. 

Definition of cough

Cough is often a pathological process, a reaction of the body to irritation, a vital reflex that aims to protect the lungs. This powerful expiration helps expel the air that was in the lungs. It isn’t a disease at all, but it may be a symptom of a disease or infection. When coughing, the patient ejects dust, foreign bodies that irritate it. This helps free the airway and thus eases breathing. 

Origins of cough

Certain seasons of periods of the year often repeatedly see a rise in persons coughing due to bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract. The causes are:

cold, allergies, asthma, colds

Additionally, other possible causes are:

sinusitis

smoke

infectious diseases such as pneumonia or tuberculosis

bronchitis

lung or larynx cancer

pulmonary embolism, etc.

Cough and symptoms

There are 4 types of cough: dry cough, productive (wet) cough, chronic cough and medicinal cough. Sometimes called irritation cough, dry cough only lasts a short while. It occurs if the body felt cold and during colds. It produces no mucus, but is extremely exhausting. Productive cough on the other hand produces mucus. It usually appears as the natural consequence of a (non-infectious) dry cough and it helps clear the respiratory tract through expectoration.

Chronic cough lasts much longer, sometimes over 2 months. This is typically the cough a smoker might have. It carries distinctive traits: rapid bouts of coughing, especially in the morning, wheezing, dyspnea during physical efforts and regular expectorations. Medicinal cough which is a side effect of certain medicines is often dry.

Treating cough with plants 

To alleviate or heal cough, sanitary experts have discovered the benefits certain plants impart us: Marshmallow root, fir buds and lungwort drunk in the form of herbal tea all have expectorant properties. Great mullein, eucalyptus, fennel, mallow and common ivy are very effective in treating wet cough. Herbal tea made from these increases the fluidity of secretions and expectoration. Crush green anise (aniseed) seeds in tea, it’s also a mucilage. Thyme and Iceland moss are both disinfectant plants that are very useful in treating dry cough. 

How to proceed: 

To quickly and effectively find solace, take ⅓ oz (10 g) ivy leaves, ½ oz (15 g) great mullein, ⅓ oz (10 g) licorice roots, ½ oz (15 g) mallow leaves, ⅓ oz (10 g) thyme, ⅓ oz (10 g) marshmallow roots. Mix all of the above. Boil one cup of water and add 1 teaspoon of the plant mix. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Filter the preparation and add honey. Drink several times a day.

If the cough persists and symptoms such as weight loss, fever, painful headaches, asthma or traces of blood appear in the mucus, immediately visit your consulting physician.